Iraq War News And Election Update -- January 31, 2009

A police officer stands guard outside a polling centre as election officials carry in voting booths in Mosul, Iraq. Photograph: AP (The Guardian)

Voting Under Way In Iraq Amid Tight Security -- Yahoo News/AP

BAGHDAD – Iraqis passed through security checkpoints and razor-wire cordons to vote Saturday in provincial elections that are considered a crucial test of the nation's stability as U.S. officials consider the pace of troop withdrawals.

Polls opened shortly after dawn after a step-by-step security clampdown across the country, including traffic bans in central Baghdad and other major cities and closure of border crossings and airports. Turnout appeared brisk in many areas and officials extended polling to accommodate crowds.

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More News On Iraq

Iraqis vote in key test of nation's progress -- Yahoo News/AFP
Tight security as Iraqis vote for peace, change -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Iraq gives extra hour for casting ballots in provincial elections -- China View
Iraqis Stream to the Polls Amid Tight Security -- Washington Post
Iraqis Vote in Key Test of Stability -- Voice of America
Iraqis hope elections will herald new era -- Times Online
Iraqis go to polls amid tight security -- Financial Times
Bracing for a shift, Iraqis vote -- International Herald Tribune
Voting under way in Iraq provincial elections -- CNN
Iraq's Sunnis Turn Toward the Ballot -- Los Angeles Times
A Calmer Iraq Takes Another Try at the Ballot -- New York Times
Maliki sees strong turnout in Iraq vote -- AFP
No Injuries Reported in Iraqi Elections -- New York Times
Mortar shells near Iraq voting centres, no one hurt -- Reuters
In Iraq's oil-rich Basra, voting is a way of settling scores -- McClatchy Newspapers
Female candidate runs to make change in her life, in Iraq -- McClatchy Newspapers
Sadr Is Silent, but Backers Work Behind Scenes -- New York Times
For Prominent Iraqi Cleric, a Test of Influence -- Washington Post
Iraqi Military Ethics Center Hosts Election Conference -- AFPS
Challenges on Iraq's Election Day -- Washington Post opinion